Buddhism and Peace Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace - Buddha Leo R. Sandy

Golden Rule Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful (Udanayarga 5:13)

Buddhist Peace Prayer May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses. May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free. May the powerless find power, and many people think of befriending one another. May those who find themselves in trackless, fearful wilderness, the children, the aged, the unprotected, be guarded by beneficent celestials, and may they swiftly attain Buddhahood

Buddhism and Peace Buddhism has a following of about 300 million people around the world. The origin of the name is from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It had its beginnings 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, the Buddha, was awakened or enlightened at the age of 35 Gotama was from a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he became aware that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he studied religion and philosophy for several years until he became enlightened

Buddhism cont’d Up to the age of 80, at which time he died, he taught the precepts of Buddhism called the Dhamma or Truth (A basic Buddhism guide) Buddhism is concerned with the psychological and spiritual growth of men and women from their present level of development to their flowering as true human beings and –even beyond that – to yet higher levels of being” (Gordon & Grob, 1987, p. 116). It focuses on compassion and the connection of all things to each other. It stresses nonviolence, personal enlightenment, meditation, loving kindness, vegetarianism, and social responsibility

Buddhism con’t Buddhism “teaches that we are the author of our own future, both as individuals and as creative members of society. It is thus within our power to create the world in which we live. It can be a world at peace or a world in ruins. The choice is ours...(It also) teaches that small changes lead to bigger changes” (Gordon & Grob, 1978, p. 122) Traditionally, Buddhism has been a very contemplative and mindful religion where monks would be cloistered and have little contact with the outside world

Buddhism cont’d A new movement within Buddhism called engaged Buddhism, inspired by Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh (Barash, 2010), requires that monks be a part of their communities by serving them and engaging in efforts to promote world peace and social justice (This movement is akin to a Catholic initiative called liberation theology developed to resist oppression in Central America in the 1970s. )

Buddhism cont’d The basic requirements of traditional Buddhism are not to do any evil, to cultivate good, and to purify one's mind. The five precepts of Buddhism include the following: Do not kill (people or animals) Do not steal Do not indulge in sexual misconduct Do not make false speech Do not take intoxicants (alcohol & drugs)

Buddhism cont’d There are ten Meritorious Deeds that allow people to gain a happy and peaceful life as well as to develop knowledge and understanding. They are as follows: Charity Morality / Taking Precepts Mental cultivation / Meditation Reverence or respect Services in helping others Transference of merits Rejoicing in the merits of others Preaching and teaching Dharma Listening to the Dharma Straightening one's own views (Leading a Buddhist life)

Quotes Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without - Buddha To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s mind. If a man can control his mind, he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him - Buddha No one can find inner peace except by working, not in a self-centered way, but for the whole human family - Buddha

Buddhism cont’d Buddhist peace and social justice groups include the following: International Buddhist Peace Organization: http://www.ibpeace.org/ The Buddhist Peace Fellowship (BPF): http://fore.yale.edu/religion/buddhism/projects/buddhist_p eace/ Soka Gakkai International: http://www.sgi-usa.org/

Video The Dalai Lama Talks about Compassion and Respect

References Dalai Lama Talks about Compassion and Repect: Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20MnLcOL7Ks Gordon, H., & Grob, L. (1987). Education for peace. Sedona, AZ: LTS Press Perkins, R., Sandy, L., & Green, A. (ND). PeaceTalk, Unpublished manuscript